Visiting New Zealand

Which island should I visit? The North, South or both?

This entirely depends on your travel times. Ideally, you would do both! Mutually stunning, each island has unique, individual attractions. However, if you have limited time we recommend choosing one island to thoroughly explore as opposed to trying to rush them both. There's always next time! So to help you decide here's a quick overview of what you can expect:

North Island:

If you're more of a sun and sand kind of person, then the North is for you. Significantly warmer with many accessible surf beaches, coves and sheltered bays - the North is also home to geothermal Rotorua, all of New Zealand's active volcanoes, and the country’s capital city Wellington. It boasts the longest beach in New Zealand (Ninety Mile Beach) and its sub-tropical Bay of Island region is renowned for its white sand and crystal clear waters.

The South Island

If you love mountains, vineyards and dramatic scenery, then the South is the island you'll enjoy the most. With the Southern Alps running the length of the country you’re never far from some of the most remarkable views in the country. Renowned for it’s hiking, the South has five of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks,’ multiple award-winning wineries, glaciers, rainforest, lakes and dusty plains. It is also home to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.

New Zealand is beautiful in every season - but the best time to come really depends on what you would like to do.

New Zealand in Spring is a great time to visit as the days are beginning to warm up, but the nights are still crisp and cool. Flowers begin to bloom, and lambs are born all across the country, making for a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

If you're headed here in the Summer expect long warm days perfect for swimming, kayaking, biking, and hiking. You’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors because it doesn't get dark until 10pm.

Have your camera ready if you're visiting in Autumn, because the changing of the leaves is really something. If you’re into hiking, this is the best time to come for you. Slightly cool but not too cold, the trails will be virtually empty and the days (mostly) clear and crisp. The new season brings spectacular colour to every New Zealand region, but a must-see at this time of year is Arrowtown, where the hillside is burnished with every shade of red and gold.

If skiing is your thing, Winter is the time for you. Think bluebird days and powdery snow followed by mulled wine and a crackling fire. If skiing isn't your thing, hiking is still great at this time of year, and many of the trails have natural hot springs to relax in.

New Zealand has a wide range of accommodation to suit any budget. There are six distinct styles including: Motels, three star hotels, four star hotels, luxury lodges and five star hotels, bed and breakfasts, and premium bed and breakfasts.

Motels
The motels we recommend are of a very high standard and many have facilities on-par with hotels. Costs can also be comparative of hotels, especially in smaller locations such as Kaikoura and the West Coast where other accommodation types are limited. All motels offer self-contained facilities including cooking utensils, a hot plate and microwave, kettle, crockery and cutlery. Some also offer facilities such as hot-tubs, swimming pools and saunas. Motes usually have bedrooms separate to the living area, making them ideal for families.

Three-star hotels
In New Zealand, the star rating of a hotel applies to the facilities and services on offer, and not necessarily the value or quality of these services. Throughout the country there are many three star hotels that offer exceptional service and accommodations. All the three star hotels that we book offer restaurant and room service facilities.

Four-star hotels
Four star hotels are prevalent in New Zealand and are generally very high quality. Most have a range or room types including standard, deluxe, superior or lake/mountain view suites etc. Many also have two and three bedroom suites which are great when travelling in a large group or with family. Most have swimming pools, gyms, a choice of restaurants and room service and most will occupy premium positions within a town network.

Luxury lodges and hotels
New Zealand is internationally renowned for its luxury lodges and upmarket hotels. From cool cosmopolitan properties to premium lodges in scenic locations these accommodations are five star and provide just about anything you can ask for including private in-house chefs, helicopter tours, fishing and hunting guides and spa treatments.

Bed and Breakfast homestays
Bed and Breakfast homestays are often the highlight of our guest’s tours. Beyond just a bedroom in a house, staying at these properties are like going on holiday to a friends place. Owners and operators are enthusiastic kiwi ambassadors and are situated in scenic or central locations. All the bed and breakfast properties we recommend have en suite bathrooms and comfortable bedrooms.

In New Zealand the cost of things will vary according to the location. In more remote places you should factor in paying a lot more for everyday items such as groceries and petrol. If you have children, tourist attractions usually offer a family rate which will give you the best value for money.

To give you an indication of what things will cost in New Zealand here is general price guide:

Cup of coffee (flat white) NZ$4 to NZ$5

Glass of beer or wine NZ$7 to $NZ15

2 Litres of Milk NZ$4 to NZ$5

Jet Boat Ride for 2 children and 2 adults NZ$299

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise NZ$70 per adult

30 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight NZ$300 per adult

Petrol prices vary but you can expect to pay the following in petrol for your entire holiday:

10 day South Island tour in mid-size car - expect to spend around NZ$400 on fuel

14 day tour of both islands in mid-size car - expect to spend around NZ$550 on fuel

23 day tour of both islands in mid-size car - expect to spend around NZ$900 on fuel

New Zealand food is internationally renowned. A wide range of cuisine and styles are available to suit every budget. Dining out in the larger cities you will have a plethora of options while in the smaller towns you may only have one or two choices.

Restaurants
There is a far more extensive range of cuisine in our larger cities. Typically international eateries and fusion restaurants are the go-to fare. Most New Zealand fusion restaurants will offer at several ‘typical’ Kiwi dishes such as lamb or salmon. As a guide, you can expect to pay between NZ$25 and NZ$35 for a main dinner course at most restaurants. However, at a high-end restaurant, you can expect to pay between NZ$40 - NZ$100 for a main dinner course. For lunch, prices range between NZ$12-NZ$25 at most cafes. Tipping is not required in New Zealand and in no way expected. Hospitality staff are paid (at the very least) a living wage and are not reliant on tips.

Take-away/ fast food
If you're in need of a quick fix, New Zealand has an abundance of fast food options. Again, in the larger cities, there is more choice. In New Zealand ‘take-away’ or ‘fast food’ goes beyond the general ‘burgers and fries’ and includes all manner of cuisines including Indian, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean and classic Kiwi fare, fish and chips. A take-away dinner for two people costs anywhere between NZ$20-NZ$30, and a breakfast is anywhere between NZ$15- $NZ25 depending on the style and location

Self catering
When travelling New Zealand, the most cost effective way to dine is to self-cater - particularly if you are staying in motel or apartment style accommodations that contain a kitchenette or kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Most towns will have a main supermarket or a general grocery store. New Zealand grows much of its own produce - and local farmers markets are a great source of fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and eggs.

The usual minimum age to rent or drive a rental vehicle in New Zealand is 25 however we have a special arrangement with Europcar which allows drivers from 21 years old. They must hold a current valid full licence (not provisional).

What does fuel cost in New Zealand and how much should I budget for my tour?

Petrol in New Zealand costs around NZ$2.30 per litre (around NZ$10 per US Gallon). The tours listed on our sites and any itineraries we create for you will give you an indication of the fuel cost for your tour based on the specific car selected.

New Zealand roads are generally very well maintained and very well signposted. Finding your way outside of large cities is very straightforward and our directions and maps assist you everywhere.

There are very few motorways or large carriageways in New Zealand with most roads being just 2 lane highways. This does mean that getting from A to B takes a little longer than you might be used to (work on an average of 80kph/50mph) but of course the fantastic scenery makes it worthwhile.

Open road speed limits in New Zealand are 100kph and it will be clearly signposted where this limit applies. In urban areas the limit is usually 50kph and again this will be clearly signposted.

Speed cameras are common around New Zealand and can be either mounted at specific locations or within mobile camera units and within police cars. If you speed there is a pretty good chance you will be caught.

Driving in winter in New Zealand is for the most part no different to any other time. Indeed, winter can be a great time to travel with less traffic and clear days. Extra care does need to be taken in the some places where roads can be affected by snow and ice at times.

Take a little more care where there is potential for ice and avoid night time or early morning driving if possible. Icy road conditions are generally signposted, with regularly ice-affected corners permanently signposted and temporary conditions marked.

Some southern regions' roads can be affected by snow. But road conditions will be clearly signposted and, when necessary, roads will be closed. Main highways usually re-open within a few hours of a heavy snowfall after road crews clear them.

In winter you will need to carry snow chains to travel on some roads when they are likely to be affected by snow. These include some popular and recommended routes like the Crown Range road, between Queenstown and Wanaka, and the road to Milford Sound. Snow chains are available to hire when you collect your rental car.

Driving in winter can be very enjoyable. Quiet roads and clear days make for some of the best scenery. Simply adjust your driving to suit the conditions.

All our tour itineraries are arranged so that you drop one rental car at either Picton or Wellington and collect a replacement car on arrival to the other side. This saves you money as taking a car on the ferry is expensive.

Dropping of you car and picking a new one up after your ferry trip is very easy. Your luggage will be checked on board the ferry in the same way you would for a plane flight.

Yes all the rental cars we arrange for you include full roadside assistance (breakdown cover). So if the car develops a problem help is just a phone call away. If the car cannot be repaired quickly a replacement vehicle is delivered as soon as possible.

Weather questions

New Zealand experiences four distinctive seasons, officially these are:

Summer: December, January and FebruaryAutumn: March, April and MayWinter: June, July and AugustSpring: September, October and November

However, the weather can be variable and does not always follow traditional seasonal expectations – summer, for instance, can be both very hot and very cold.

Seasonal Temperatures and Conditions?

Summer: Expect an average high of 25 C (76 F) in the north to around 22 C (72 F) in the south.
Average lows (evening time) are 13 C (55 F) in the north to 12 C (54 F) in the south.

Autumn: Expect an average high of 20 C (68 F) in the north to around 17 C (63 F) in the south.
Average lows (evening time) are 11 C (52 F) in the north to 7 C (45 F) in the south.

Winter: Expect an average high of 15 C (59 F) in the north to around 10 C (50 F) in the south.
Average lows (evening time) are 6 C (43 F) in the north to 2 C (35 F) in the south.

Spring: Expect an average high of 18 C (65 F) in the north to around 16 C (61 F) in the south.
Average lows (evening time) are 9 C (48 F) in the north to 7 C (45 F) in the south.

Seasonal Highs & Lows:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Sep, Oct, Nov

Dec, Jan, Feb

Mar, Apr, May

Jun, Jul, Aug

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

Bay of Islands

Temperature (C)

19

9

25

14

21

11

16

7

Temperature (F)

67

48

76

56

70

52

61

45

Rain Days/Season

11

7

11

16

Auckland

Temperature (C)

18

11

24

12

20

13

15

9

Temperature (F)

65

52

75

54

68

55

59

48

Rain Days/Season

12

8

11

15

Rotorua

Temperature (C)

17

7

24

12

18

9

13

4

Temperature (F)

63

45

75

54

68

55

59

48

Rain Days/Season

11

9

9

13

Wellington

Temperature (C)

15

9

20

13

17

11

12

6

Temperature (F)

59

48

68

55

63

52

54

43

Rain Days/Season

11

7

10

13

Christchurch

Temperature (C)

17

7

22

12

18

8

12

3

Temperature (F)

63

45

72

54

65

46

54

37

Rain Days/Season

7

7

7

7

Queenstown

Temperature (C)

16

5

22

10

16

6

10

1

Temperature (F)

61

41

72

50

61

43

50

34

Rain Days/Season

9

8

8

7

Rainfall: Rainfall is generally consistent throughout the year between 7 and 11 days per month, but some regions (such as the South Island's West Coast and Fiordland) get drier during the winter months.

Snow: In the North Island snow mainly affects the high Central Plateau around Tongariro National Park where ski fields Whakapapa and Turoa are located. Other peaks such as Mt Egmont / Taranaki and mountain ranges also get snow but not in the way that will affect travel through surrounding regions. You are unlikely to experience snow anywhere but the Central Plateau in the North. In the South Island almost anywhere can experience snow. The Southern Alps – stretching the length of the island – is entirely covered during winter meaning you’re never too far from a dusting of white. Canterbury, Otago and Southland generally get the most snow and this is why most of the ski resorts are based here.

Driving conditions: New Zealand roads are very well maintained and well signposted. Local road maintenance crews are very used to the wintry conditions that some regions can experience and respond quickly to keep roads clear and safe.

Meals and Dining

What sort of food is available in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for its abundant and fresh cuisine. Described as Pacific Rim, it draws on inspiration from Europe, Asia and Indonesia. Being a small island country food served in restaurants is seasonal and consequently, always fresh. Classic New Zealand dishes include lamb, bluff oysters, salmon, whitebait fritters and pavlova, the national dessert.

Every kind of international cuisine can be found in most places nationwide, although the larger cities have a much wider selection - as you would expect. While you're here be sure to try another kiwi classic, fish and chips on the beach. For specific dietary requirements, New Zealand caters well to those who are gluten free/vegan/dairy intolerant. Most places have at least two, if not a range of alternative food options. One of the best ways to get a restaurant recommendation is to ask a local or your accommodation host. Often one cafe or restaurant will be more regularly frequented, one might have better coffee or one might have a great atmosphere etc.

Interislander ferry crossing

Can I take my rental car on the Interislander ferry?

All our tours are arranged so that you drop one rental car at either Picton or Wellington and collect a replacement car on arrival to the other side. This is a very easy process and luggage on board the ferry is checked in the same way you would for a plane flight.
Taking a car on the Interislander ferry is expensive so this saves you the cost.

Yes. The payment system we use offers the highest levels of safety and security available.

The system we use is administered entirely by DPS (Direct Payment Solutions) -- a world leader in online payment technology -- and our bank, the Bank of New Zealand. When you click through to the payment system the transaction is completed within a secure (https) page and the information entered is only seen by DPS and our bank.

Choose your preferred currency on the payments page and our system will convert your balance into your currency using BNZ (Bank of New Zealand) exchange rates.

Paying in Your Local Currency

For example, selecting to pay us in $US will mean you will be charged that exact $US amount, if your card was issued by a US bank.

Paying in NZ Dollars

If you choose to pay in $NZ using a non-New Zealand credit card, then your credit card company or bank may charge you a currency conversion fee. This can sometimes be around 3% of the transactions. So check with your bank or credit card company first to make sure which is the best option for you.

Note: the cost in currencies other than $NZ may fluctuate with exchange rate changes. We use the NZ$ price as the base cost.

No. We do not charge an additional fee for paying with your credit card.

Paying in New Zealand dollars
Our tours are priced in New Zealand dollars. If you choose to pay with NZ currency your credit card supplier may charge you a currency conversion fee, much like if you went to a bank and purchased foreign currency.

Paying with other currencies
We do give you the option to pay in alternative currency. For example: paying in US dollars using a credit issued in the US should mean there is no currency conversion fee applied by your credit card company.

Currency conversion rates
The currency conversion rates we use are supplied by our bank here in New Zealand.

Simply make an enquiry via the Pure Journeys New Zealand website to begin the tour booking process. Your trip planner will arrange everything for you and accept your payment.

To see an indicative price for a suggested itinerary and save it for your future reference, click on the 'See Prices For This Tour' button and complete the short form.

Suggested holiday itineraries can and should be customised to suit your particular interests and desired style of New Zealand holiday experience. Our trip planners have a wealth of experience planning New Zealand holidays and can ensure that you have the best possible time on your visit.

Completing our booking form will supply us with the information we need to arrange your time in New Zealand

The booking form asks you for the information we need such as names, address, phone number etc. We also ask for your flight details if you have those arranged already (if not you can still book and supply those later).

Requesting Special Requirements

There is a section on the form which allows you to add special requests such as dietary requirements or preferred bedding configurations or anything else you want to let us know.

Deposit Payment

A deposit payment -- 10% of the total itinerary cost or $200 per person, whichever is higher -- is required via our secure credit card system. This is administered by DPS (Direct Payment Solutions) and our bank (Bank of New Zealand) and is extremely safe and secure. Your credit card details are not stored by us.

Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for my tour?

We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. There are many factors that could cause you to amend or cancel your trip, so ensuring you have cover for extra costs or cancellation fees is important. This means that any delays or unforeseen costs you may incur should be covered. We recommend purchasing your travel insurance locally to make dealing with any claims on your return easier.

Preparing for your tour

What sort of clothing should I pack for my tour?

New Zealand is a fairly informal country and very few places insist on strict dress codes. If you’re spending time in one of the big cities then it pays to bring a tidier outfit for an evening out, otherwise comfort and practicality is key when choosing clothing for your visit. Layers are essential - as the weather can change rapidly. Natural fibres that draw moisture away from the skin like cotton and wool are the best for our climate.

Ensure you pack a rain jacket
A wind and rain proof jacket is important to have when travelling here. As mentioned the weather in New Zealand is changeable, even in the height of summer. If you're heading to Fiordland National Park or the West Coast be prepared for a high chance of rain. These are among some of the wettest places on earth, but that in itself is part of what makes it so special.

Come prepared for water based activities.
Many activities in New Zealand are based around water. On activities such as hikes or glacier walks you will usually be provided with suitable equipment - but if you're planning on going jet-boating, kayaking or swimming, don't forget to pack the appropriate gear.

Bring sturdy shoes for walking
All of the walking tracks and paths are well marked and well maintained so comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. However, if you're planning to venture into the wilderness or tackle any of New Zealand’s Great Walks, Hiking boots are a good idea.

Protect yourself from the sun
The UV levels are particularly strong in New Zealand so be sure to bring a hat and at least 50 SPF Sunscreen.

Depending on where you are travelling from, it is likely that you will need a transformer. New Zealand operates on 240 volts (50hz), so appliances on other voltages will need a transformer.

Finding the voltage your devices operate on
Most devices state their operating voltage near where the power cord plug. If the voltage isn't clear then you may need to check on the manufacturer's website for more information.

Adaptors for New Zealand power sockets
You will also need an adaptor to suit NZ sockets. These can be purchased at the airport or online if you can't find one in your local stores. New Zealand sockets are usually three pins, rather than the two pin sockets that you may find in Europe and North America. (See Socket 1 on the useful socket comparison table available here.)

Getting New Zealand Currency before you leave
It is a good idea bring a small amount of New Zealand Currency with you, so you don't need to spend time organising cash at the airport or at the bank on your first day. Your local bank may need to order New Zealand Currency so allow a few days for this in your trip preparation. If you for some reason are not able to get any currency before you come, all major kiosks at the airport should be able to help you.

Exchanging cash as you travel in New Zealand
You won't need a lot of cash at once, as exchanging cash in New Zealand is easy. Just get enough to cover small purchases on your first day, such as a cup of coffee or lunch. When you do need New Zealand Currency, any branch of a major bank including ASB, ANZ, BNZ, Westpac or Kiwibank will have the latest conversion rates, which are consistent throughout the country.

Carrying large amounts of cash while you travel In New Zealand
New Zealand has one of the highest credit card and eftpos usages in the world, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash. Most retailers including traders at local markets and convenience stores accept electronic payments. This means you will be able to pay for virtually anything with your debit or credit card as you move around - and this is also the safest and most secure way to cover your expenses while you are in New Zealand.

Visa requirements

Most visitors to New Zealand do not require a visa to enter for the purpose of a holiday or vacation under or visa waiver program.

You can see if you qualify for this by visiting the New Zealand Immigration website here.

If you do need a visa to visit New Zealand then you should contact the New Zealand consulate in your home country. We can assist with this process by providing a copy of your booked itinerary if required.

Note regarding Travelling via Australia: nearly all visitors to Australia require a visa to enter, even if you only transit. It is the responsibility of the travel agent or airline to advise you of this requirement but please make sure you ask about this if you know you are travelling via Australia.

Unexpected costs

Are there any other costs I need to plan for on my tour?

All our self-drive tours include all accommodation costs, car rental (including insurance*), pre-booked activities and items that are clearly identified in your tour. Your tour is also inclusive of all local government taxes.

Visa and MasterCard providers are widely accepted as payment for almost anything, but American Express and Diners Cards are not accepted in some places so its best to arrange an alternative if you need to.

Tipping

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?

Legally, all our hospitality workers are paid a living wage and tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand. However, if your food or service was exceptional you may choose to reward someone for a job well done.

Many bars and cafes have a tip jar at the counter, and it is common to put your change in here.

Airport information

Auckland airport

Auckland International Airport is New Zealands largest and busiest airport. It is the main airport for international arrivals into New Zealand and is located 40 minutes drive from Auckland's central business district.

Christchurch International Airport is the main airport serving Christchurch City and arrival point for long haul international flights into the South Island. It is located 12 kilometres from Christchurch's central business district – about 30 minutes drive or taxi ride.

Queenstown Airport is New Zealands fastest growing airport. It has been comprehensively refurbished recently to accommodate evening arrivals and increased international arrivals from Australia. The airport is located in Frankton, Queenstown, a 15 minute drive from Queenstown's town centre.

Shopping in New Zealand

Can I claim GST (Goods and Services Tax) back on purchases within New Zealand?

No. Goods or services purchased while you are here in New Zealand are liable for all local taxes, as mandated by New Zealand law.

However, there are a select few store who have a duty free agreement to sell items without GST applied. Items purchased at these stores are likely to be sent to the airport for collection, or shipped directly to your home overseas. Usually this is only possible on high value items.

If I purchase something in New Zealand does the guarantee or warranty still apply?

Yes. All purchases in New Zealand are covered by Consumer Protection Laws.

For example: If you purchase a camera here in New Zealand that you find to be faulty when you return home, the New Zealand retailer is still responsible to either repair or replace the item according to the terms of the warranty or guarantee.

Domestic flights

What is the luggage allowance on domestic flights?

Our preferred airline is Air New Zealand and the airfares we will book for you all have a luggage allowance of 23kg. However, you are allowed an additional 10kg for sports gear and if you are travelling with children you may also take a pram and a car seat.

Final Checklist

What should I check before I leave?

We may be experts at taking care of every detail upon your arrival, but there's a few things you’ll need to sort out before you leave. So to ensure you don't miss anything important, here’s a few ideas and tips to get you vacation ready:

Check your itinerary and make sure everything is in order and to your satisfaction and that you understand timings etc. Just ask us if you are unsure.

Check your flight details are correct - including names, dates, and any appropriate visas you may require.

Check your passport is valid. New Zealand requires three months remaining on your passport to enter. If you are entering another country in transit on your way here, check the conditions required to enter. Eg. the United States of America requires six months remaining on your passport.

Driving license. Everyone who drives in New Zealand must have a valid English driving license, otherwise an international one will be required.

Make sure your credit card is activated for international use. If your bank sees unusual activity on your card they may put a hold on it - so be sure to tell them when and where you are travelling overseas. Visa and MasterCard are readily accepted in New Zealand, but providers such as Diner or American Express may not be in some places.

If you haven't already done so, we recommend you get travel insurance. Even the best laid plans go awry so it's best to be prepared for any eventuality. Also make sure you have a copy of your plan and policy number with you at all times. We recommend saving a digital copy to your phone or tablet.

Take copies of all your documents and store them in a separate place to the originals in case they get lost. We also recommend taking photos of your documents and keeping them on hand in your phone or tablet.

Plug important phone numbers into your phone with the associated international dialing code. Such numbers could be: Your doctor, your insurer, reservations for your airline etc.

If you take medication make sure you have sufficient to last you the duration of your trip - and some extra just in case. Ensure it is properly labelled, and check with your doctor in case you need to carry a medical letter stating your intent.

Check you have the correct adapter for your phone or other electrical device.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with your friends and family so they know how to contact you. The version sent to you in your arrival documents is ideal.

Most visitors to New Zealand fly into one of four international airports located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown. Below is some useful information about each:

Mobility parking permits from overseas are not recognised in all regions of New Zealand. So its best to get a local one for when you are here. Mobility Parking New Zealand offers all the information you need on their website.

By post

If you want the permit to be posted to your home address, an additional fee will be charged and you need to indicate this when you apply. Please allow at least 4 weeks for processing.

Alternatively, we can post your permit to your accommodation or rental car company in New Zealand (Please supply a reference number). Please allow 10 working days for processing, from when we receive your application form.

What if I don't currently hold one, but really need it when I'm travelling?

If you do not have a parking permit in your home country, you can apply for a visitor’s disability permit once you arrive in New Zealand. You will need to visit a New Zealand doctor who will assess whether you are eligible.